MIDFIELD dynamo Andy Ferrell is close to signing a new deal that will keep him at Kidderminster Harriers for another season.

The tough-tackling 24-year-old is hoping to secure a new contract at Aggborough and help boost the club's chances of securing the play-offs next season in the Blue Square Premier.

If the former Hereford and Newcastle United academy player commits to Harriers it means that the club are waiting for responses from last season's top scorer Iyseden Christie and Harriers' longest serving player Simon Russell.

Ferrell's signature comes after keeper Dean Coleman agreed to stay at the club for the 2008-2009 season last week.

"I have had a couple of talks with the manager and there are a few things to sort out at the moment," said Ferrell.

"I am still hopeful to be playing for Harriers next season and I would like it all sorted next week.

"At this stage in the season you have to keep your options open and I have had several approaches from clubs but I would like to be at Harriers."

Ferrell joined Harriers in the summer of 2007 after being released from the Bulls.

He quickly won over the fans with his committed displays in the centre and left side of midfield.

Meanwhile, assistant manager Neil Howarth is hopeful that Russell and Christie will put pen to paper after talks with manager Mark Yates last week.

Christie, who scored 18 goals during the last campaign, wants longer than a 12-month contract at Harriers, while Russell, who has made over 150 appearances for the club, has also been offered a new deal.

"Iyseden wants to stay and we're also hopeful he doesn't go," said Howarth.

"He's a popular player with the fans and did great for us last year, so no one wants to see him leave.

"We have also made Simon a good offer and are waiting to hear from him.

"At this point in the summer out of contract players are looking at deals and seeing what else happens before making a decision."

Coleman has been challenged to fight for the first team spot after extending his stay at Harriers.

After joining last summer the former Walsall shot-stopper had to bide his time but he impressed the management team when he stepped in for Chris MacKenzie at the end of the season.

With MacKenzie not offered a new contract at Harriers, Yates is looking for a keeper to provide competition for Coleman next season.

Howarth said: "Dean did exceptionally well at the end of the season, when he came into the side and deserved a new deal.

"We will be bringing in a goalkeeper who will be challenging him for the first team place, so it will be a battle between them.

"He was a bit unlucky earlier in the season when he played against Ebbsfleet and broke a finger.

"But he took his chance when Chris MacKenzie got injured and never looked back.

"We had a talk with Chris at the end of the season and made the decision it was time to move on."

n Harriers are also interested in signing midfielder Dean Bennett, who was released by League Two side Chester City this week.

Bennett made 35 appearances for Harriers on-loan last season and played an integral part in the their seven-game unbeaten run near the end.